cable

Recently bought a durametric to diagnose and turn off my airbag warning light. I expected it to be something like seat belt terminal corrosion or under the seat cables, but the fault code is "01". What the heck does that mean?? Do you guys think it would help to unplug then reattach the airbag module?

Here is what it says from the manual:

DBJoe996

The problem is: which airbag? What the fault code is telling you is to check the bulb. Since it is on, why not just clear the fault code and see if it comes back?

cable

I already cleared the code and it came right back on.

cable

Update: I am STILL trying to troubleshoot my airbag light which is triggering fault code 01.

First, I checked the fuse as specified and replaced it with the spare even though it looked okay. Then I disconnected the airbag module in front of the shifter and sprayed the connections with electrical contact cleaner. Airbag light and fault code was still coming back on every time I reset it with my durametric.

So then I bought an inexpensive used airbag module from the same year & model (2002 C2 Cab) thinking that the original module might have an internal defect. Swapped the module and the light/fault code still won't go away.

My latest effort was to remove the cluster and spray all of the connections with electrical cleaner. During this process, I also inspected the harness as best as possible, looking for shorts or crimped wires. Although it's pretty tough to see anything as the wiring is bundled in a cloth loom except for the last little section where it enters the plugs. Light/code is still on.

Help!! I am totally at wits end with this! Is it possible that the short/defect is actually inside the instrument cluster itself?? Seems like I have tried everything else. Unlike the Mk1 cars, the Mk2's have sealed clusters with LED (I think?) warning lights so there is no airbag bulb/socket available to inspect.

I would be beyond appreciative for any suggestions. Thanks!

alpine003

Did you do #3 yet?

Also did you check the continuity from the harness under the passenger seat?

Bubrubb

I have had the Airbag fault light on twice in the 996 and once in the Boxster.

Replacing/cleaning the seat belt receivers has solved it each time.

cable

^^ Those items have their own fault codes. Fault code 01 is specifically for the idiot light on the dash. System is not throwing any other codes.

m3driver

Unplug the bulb

Ahsai

Have you checked continuity of the red/yellow wire from the airbag unit (in front of the shifter) to the cluster?

Bubrubb

10-4. My mistake.

Paul Waterloo

I would ask: With the ignition on, does the airbag light come on in the dash?

I bet the answer is: No

If so, then you have to check the bulb, if that's good, then using the wiring diagrams, check continuity from the control module to the bulb and from positive to the bulb. You'll find the problem in there, shouldn't be hard.

Imo000

The 3 steps in the repair manual are pretty clear what needs to be done. Until you do all 3 of them and the light still stays on, THEN it's time to ask for additional help.

cable

I did step #1.

There is no step #2 in my case as the "bulb" is a permanent LED on MK2 cars. Bulb is lit all the time, both with key turned on & engine running.

Regarding step #3, I did visually inspect the wiring leading from the module to cluster but there isn't much to see as it's all loomed. Thanks to Ahsai, I learned that pin #7 is the red/yellow wire so I will check that with a continuity tester as soon as time permits.

Ahsai

Reply edited: Once you disconnect the connectors of the red/yellow wire from *both* the cluster and airbag control module to isolate it. You can then check for continuity.

cable

^^ Is this safe to do with the battery connected/key on?? Thought you weren't supposed to disconnect anything airbag related with the battery connected?